New York mayor Bloomberg says will not run for president

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

NEW YORK (AFP) — New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he will not run for president in the November 4 elections, in an op-ed piece published late Wednesday on the New York Times' website.

"I listened carefully to those who encouraged me to run, but I am not -- and will not be -- a candidate for president," said the 65-year-old billionaire businessman turned politician, dispelling rumors that he would run as an independent.

Bloomberg's decision to leave the Republican party last June sparked immediate speculation that he could launch an independent bid for the White House.

Reports quoted insiders as suggesting the founder of the Bloomberg media company was prepared to sink one billion dollars into the bid.

Bloomberg said "an independent approach" to...